Agitator for paint drums and the like



Nov. 22, 1938. R. M. WILSON ET AL 2,137,432

AGITATOR FOR PAINT DRUMS AND THE LIKE Filed Feb. 7, 1936 i ii i M I7 /IJ? x Srmentor (lttorneu Patented Nov. 22, 1938 PATENT 'OFFiCE AGITATOBFOR PAINT DRUMS AND THE LIKE Ronald M. Wilson, Philadelphia, and JosephHolt Ingraham, Wayne, Pa.; said Wilson assignor to said IngrahamApplication February 7, 1936, Serial No. 62,768

11 Claims.

This invention relates to agitating devices such as are employed inconjunction with drums or similar containers which are used in thecommercial handling of paint and similar materials, in which the needfor stirring or agitating the contents of the'drum prior to Withdrawaltherefrom for use is an important factor. -O rdinarily, drums of thetype with which this invention is concerned are of a cylindrical for- 16mation, and include top and bottom members in the shape of disks or flatcircular plates, and the top is generally provided with a bung hole anda suitable fitting constituting a closure for the same.

Such drums that are suitable for the commercial handling of paint areavailable to the buying public as such, and conventional practicedictates that these more or less standardized paint drums be used inconjunction with paint products. i

With the foregoing conditions in mind, this invention has in View, asits foremost objective,

the provision of an agitating device which is de signed to be insertedthrough the bung hole of the drum and therein set up in operativeposition. In accordance with this invention, such an agitator comprisesa central drive shaft which, in its operative position, is coaxial withthe drum and substantially coextensive with the axis thereof, and thiscentral drive shaft carries a mixing and stirring arm which extendssubstantially to the cylindrical side of the drum.

An important object of the present invention is the provision of anagitator of the character above noted, which is so designed and mountedin the drum that it may be withdrawn through the bung hole.

In the carrying out of this thought in a practical embodiment, themanner in which the lower end of the drive shaft is pivotally mounted onthe bottom of the drum assumes an important status in that it isessential that this pivotal mounting bedisconnectable in order to permitof the withdrawal of the drive shaft and associated stirring blade.

Accordingly, this invention has in view, as a further object, theprovision of an agitating device of the character above noted, whichincludes means for establishing a pivotal connection with the bottom ofthe drum by proper manipulation of the agitator shaft without requiringthe use of any other tools, and which means is also susceptible of beingrendered ineffective to break the pivotal connection by furthermanipulation 55;; of the agitator shaft.

This thought takes the form of a pivotal connection which includes astud upstanding from the bottom of the drum and centrally thereof, andwhich stud is formed with a reduced cylindrical portion, the upperextremity of which carries threads, the outside diameter of which isgreater than the diameter of the said reduced cylindrical portion.

The drive shaft of the agitator is formed on its lower extremity with asleeve that is provided with interior threads complemental to thethreads on the stud. When these threads on the sleeve have been screwedover the threads on the stud and passed therebeyond, they are disposedabout the cylindrical portion of the stud'to set up the pivotalconnection. Unless the agitator blade is raised upwardly so that thethreads on the sleeve again engage the threads on the stud, the pivotalconnection is maintained, and rotation of the drive shaft provided forin the manner necessary for proper operation of the agitator.

However, when it is desired to remove the agitator the central driveshaft may be raised upwardly to cause engagement of the threads on thesleeve with those of the stud, and upon rotation of the agitator in theproper direction, the sleeve will be unscrewed from the stud.

Inasmuch as there is now available to the buying public more or lessstandard drums which include studs extending upwardly from the bottomsthereof, and which studs have threaded extremities, which are notparticularly adaptable to the above-noted type of connection, thisinvention has in view, as a more detailed objective, the provision of anadapter which is designed to fit over the stud on a standard drum andrender the same susceptible to having the central drive shaft of anagitator such as contemplated by this invention, rotatably anchoredthereto.

Yet another objective of the present invention is the provision of anagitator of the character described which includes a central drive shaftwhich is adjustable as to its length. In carrying out this idea inapractical embodiment, the central drive shaft is made from two flatbars which are arranged for sliding engagement with each other, andwhich are provided with suitable pin and slot connections foraccommodating this sliding movement, and at the same time maintain ingthe parts of thedrive shaft in proper operative relationship.

Following the principles of this invention, the arm which extendsradially outwardly from the central drive shaft, and which constitutes amixing and stirring blade, has an upturned end which extends along theinner face of the cylindrical side of the drum for a required distance.Such a construction does not readily lend itself tothe digging out ofthe contents of the drum which may be contained in the corner defined bythe cylindrical side and bottom of the drum.

Accordingly, this invention has in view as a further object theprovision of a cleaning device which is designed to get into this cornerof the drum, and which device is characterized as being a memberpivotally mounted on the stirring blade, and which is urged by its ownweight to cause the extremity thereof to engage with the walls of thedrum defining this corner. This cleaning device preferably is in theform of a chime cleaning device that is weighted on one side and formedwith a point on the opposite side so that the weighted side is effectiveto constantly urge the point into the corner.

To the end of providing for a proper operative mounting for the driveshaft of the agitator in the drum, it is necessary that the upper end ofthe drive shaft be rotatably mounted at the bung hole and at the sametime held in position so that it will not fall down into the drum.

This invention, therefore, has in view, as another object, the provisionof a connection at this point which involves a direct interlock betweenthe upper end of the drive shaft and the fitting in the bung hole. Sucha direct interlock obviates the need for a supplemental fastening meansin the form of pins, catches, or other additional parts. 1

This invention proposes a connection involving the formation of aturned-over projection at the upper extremity of the drive shaft. Thedrive shaft is notched just beneath this projection, and these notchesare designed to receive a flange formed on the fitting in the bung hole.By forming openings in the outwardly extending projection and the driveshaft proper, provision is made for removably and drivably connecting ahandle to the drive, shaft for stirring purposes.

Other more detailed objects and advantages associated with the carryingout of the above noted objectives in a practical embodiment will in partbe apparent and in part be hereinafter stated as the description of theinvention proceeds,

The invention, therefore, comprises an agitator for paint drums and thelike, which includes a central drive shaft that is adjustable as tolength, and which drive shaft has a stirring blade extending outwardlyfrom the lower extremity thereof substantially to the cylindrical sideof the drum, and this stirring blade carries a chime cleaning device forcleaning out the lower corner of the drum.

The drive shaft of the agitator is mounted at its lower end by a pivotalconnection which is disengageable, and which may be set up or broken bymanipulation of the agitatorarms. At the upper extremity the agitator isrotatably mounted and held in position by a connection involving aninterlock with the fitting in the bung hole of the mixing drum. Thisagitator is insertable and removable through the bung hole of the mixingdrum.

For a full and more complete understanding of the invention referencemay be had to the following description and accompanying drawing,wherein:

Figure 1 is a side view taken as a vertical section through a mixingdrum in which an agitating device is operatively mounted, in accordancewith the precepts of this invention,

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view in perspective of the upper extremity ofthe drive shaft,

Figure 3 is a detail showing in section of the bung hole and associatedfittings, and

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail view bringing out the manner in which theadaptor may be applied to standard drums having a central stud.

Referring now to the drawing, wherein like reference characters denotecorresponding parts, a drum is shown in Figure 1 and referred togenerally by the reference character A. This drum comprises acylindrical wall I0 which carries a bottom II and a top l2 in a mannerwellknown in this art, the bottom II and top [2 being connected to thecylindrical wall ID by an interlocking flange connection, referred to asl3.

The top I2 is provided with a hung hole designated l4 and the top wallI2 is enlarged about the bung hole I4, as indicated at I5, this enlargedportion providing for threads l6 which receive a bung fitting designatedl1. This bung fitting I1 is formed with an inwardly extending flange is,for a purpose to be later described, and also with an outwardlyextending flange l9 which overlies the thickened portion I 5 of the topI2.

As shown in Figure 3, a gasket 20 may be interposed between the flangel9 and thickened portion 15 of the top I 2. The outer peripheral edge ofthe flange I9 is upturned, as shown at 2|, to provide a cup-like recesswhich receives a plug closure 22. This plug closure 22 is exteriorlythreaded at 23 for cooperation with interior threads 24 formed on thefitting l1, and above the threads 23 the plug closure 22 is formed withan outwardly extending flange 25 that fits over the fitting IT. A gasketshown at 26 may be interposed between the flange 25 and the fitting l1.Wrench-engaging means for the plug closure 22 may take the form of anon-circular socket indicated at 21.

Extending upwardly from the bottom I I and centrally thereof is a stud28 which has a headed end shown at 29, and which may be positivelyanchored to the bottom ll in any preferred manner, as by welding.

The upper extremity of the stud 28 is formed with a reduced cylindricalportion 30, the outer extremity of which is formed with threads 3|, theoutside diameter of which is greater than the diameter of the reducedcylindrical portion 30. As shown in Figure 1, a shoulder at 32 is formedbetween the main body portion of the stud 28 and the reduced cylindricalportion 30.

An agitator, such as proposed by this invention, comprises a centraldrive shaft referred to generally by the reference character S and whichconsists of an upper part 33 and a lower part 34. Referring now toFigure 1, the upper part 33 is shown as provided with a slot 35 whilethe lower part 34 is formed with a similar slot 36. A pin 31 is carriedby the lower drive shaft part 34 and extends into and through the slot35 while a similar pin 38 is carried by the upper drive shaft part 33and extends into and through the slot 36.

As shown in Figure l, the pins 31 and 38 may be provided with retainingdevices 39 that extend past the sides of the slots 35 and 36 and whichare held in position by the headed extremities 40 of the pins 31 and 38.

It is apparent that the pin and slot connection 75,

just described provides for a sliding relationship of the drive shaftparts 33 and 34 whereby the central drive shaft S is rendered adjustableas to its length.

, The lower drive shaft part 34 has a portion 4| offset therefromadjacent the bottom ll of the mixing drum to accommodate a connectingsleeve 42 which may be welded to the part 34, as

indicated at 43. This sleeve 42 is formed with a section of threads at44 which are eomplemental to the threads 3| and which, when passedthereover, engage the shoulder 32 on one side and the lowermost threads3| on the other, so that they cooperate with the cylindrical portion 30'of the stud 28 to establish a pivotal connection between the lower, partof the drive shaft S and the stud 28. I

Extending radially outwardly from the offset portion 4| of the lowerdrive shaft part 34 is an arm 45 which maybe connected to the offsetportion 4| by a twist indicated at 46. This arm 45 constitutes astirring and mixing blade and is twisted into a position rendering itmost adaptable for this purpose. At the outer extremity the arm 45 isagain twisted and bent upwardly to provide an upwardly extending mixingblade 41 that is connected with the arm 45 proper by a twist indicatedat 48.

A cleaning device for cleaning the corner between the cylindrical wallIO and bottom II is shown in the form of a chime 49 that is pivotallymounted at 50 to the twisted portion 48 of the stirring and mixingblade. This member 49has a point 5| which is urged into the corner ofthe drum by a weighted portion shown-at 52 which is effective toconstantly keep this point 5| in engagement with the corner of the drum.

, The upper end of the drive shaft part 33 is turned over, as indicatedat 53, and just beneath this turned-over projection 53 the drive shaftpart 33 is notched on either side, as indicated at 54. When the partsare in assembled relation, the notches 54 receive the inturned flange l8of the fitting I! in a manner to be later described.

, The turned-over projection 53 is provided with an opening 55, while asimilar opening 56 is formed on the drive shaft part 33. These openings.55 and 56 are designed to receive an operating handle in the mannershown in dotted lines in Figure 2, and which handle is shown in fullilnes in Figure 1 and designated 51.

Figure 4 develops a construction ordinarily included in the bottom ofcertain standard drums andwhich construction involves a standard stud 58that is threaded ,at its upper extremity, as

shown at 59.

In'order to adapt this stud 58 for connection with the lower drive shaft34 and the sleeve 42 carried thereby, an adaptor is shown at 60,, whichadaptor is provided with a central bore 6| that terminates in a threadedsocket 62 which receives the threads 59 on the stud 58. The lowerextremity of the adaptor 6D is provided with an outwardly extendingflange 63, while the upper endof this adaptor B is exteriorly threaded,as shown at 64. Intermediate the flange 63 and thread 64 is a reducedcylindrical portion 65 which corresponds to the reduced cylindricalportion 30 on the stud 28.

When the threads 44 on the sleeve 42 are threaded over the thread 64,the shoulder 63 and and lowermost thread 64 will serve to maintain thethreads 30 in rotative engagement with the cylindrical portion 65, inthe manner above described.

The above described agitating device is assembled and used in thefollowing manner. Prior to positioning of the fitting I! in the bunghole opening l4, the agitating device, as an entirety, isinsertedthrough the bung hole l4 by a proper manipulation thereof. Afterinsertion in the drum, the threads 44 of the sleeve 42 are threaded overthe threads 3| until they pass therebeyond and are disposed opposite thereduced cylindrical portion 30 of the stud 28. The pivotal connection atthe lower end of the drive shaft is now established, and it is notablethat the manipulation necessary for setting up this pivotal connectionis readily accommodated by the adjustable length of the drive shaft S.

. The fitting I! is now passed over the turnedover end 53 of the upperdrive shaft 33 so that the notches 54 receive the flange l8 after whichthe fitting I1 is threaded into the thread It formed on the enlargedportion I of the top l2.

After the drum has been filled by paint or other desired materials, theplug closure 22 is threaded into the threads 24 of the fitting l1, and awrench may be availed of in connection with the socket 21 to provide agood tight fit at this point.

The drum and its contents are now ready for shipment and commercialhandling, during which time the upper extremity of the drive shaft S ispositively held in position in the fitting l1, and any possibility ofthe rive shaft falling into the drum is obviated. .When the time comeswhen it is desired to stir or mix the contents of the drum A prior touse, the plug closure 22 is first removed, after which the handle 5? ispositioned in the manner shown in Figures 1 and 2, so that it extendsthrough the openings 55 and 56. This handle 5? may now be availed of asa means for driving the central drive shaft S, which causes acorresponding movement on the part of the mixing blade 45, 41.

During such mixing operations, any upward movement on the part of thedrive shaft S is positively inhibited by the interlock with the notches54 and flange 58. When occasion arises that it is desirable to removethe agitating device from the interior of the drum, as for use withother drums, this may be accomplished by first unthreading the fittingll, and then passing this fitting over the turned-over end 53 of thedrive shaft part 33, during which operation the drive shaft S will beextended as to length, this being rovided by the pin and slot slidingconnection therein.

Upon upward pull being exerted on the drive shafts, after the same hasbeen fully extended, the threads 44 on the sleeve 42 will engage thethreads 3| on the stud 23, and further rotation of the drive shaft S ina proper direction will cause the sleeve 42 to become unscrewed from thestud 23, whereupon the agitating device may be removed as an entiretythrough the bung hole I 4. p

When the standard drum shown in Figure 4 is used, the manner ofoperation is the same as above described, with the exception that theadaptor 66 is first positioned on the stud 58.

While a preferred specific embodiment of the invention is herein setforth, it is to be understood that we are not to be limited to the exactconstructions illustrated and described, because various modificationsof these details may be provided in putting this invention intopractice, Within the purview of the appended claims.

We claim:-

1. In combination wlth'a drum having a cylindrical wall, a bottom, and astud upstanding from the bottom and located centrally thereof, said studbeing formed with a reduced portion intermediate the ends thereof, theupper extremity of said stud being threaded, an agitator in the drumincluding a central drive shaft which carries at its lower end athreaded sleeve, the threads on said sleeve being disposed about thereduced portion of the stud when the parts; are in assembled position.

2. An adaptor for drums including a central stud upstanding from thebottom thereof and having a threaded extremity, which adaptor isdesigned to constitute a means for pivotally mounting an agitator on thestud, said adaptor having a threaded socket for receiving the threadedextremity of the stud and being formed with a reduced portionintermediate the extremities thereof.

3. An. adaptor for drums including a central stud upstanding from thebottom thereof and having a threaded extremity, which adaptor isdesigned to constitute a means for pivotally mounting an agitator on thestud, said adaptor having a threaded socket for receiving the threadedextremity of the stud and being formed with a reduced portionintermediate the extremities thereof, said reduced portion being definedby a shoulder at the lower end of the adaptor and threads at the upperend, said threads having an outside diameter larger than the diameter ofthe reduced portion.

4. In combination, a drum having a top formed with a bung hole therein,an agitator in the drum having a central drive shaft formed with aturnedover end, said drive shaft being notched on each side below saidturned-over end, a fitting threaded in the bung hole and formed with aninturned flange, said flange being received in said notches, and a plugclosure for said fitting.

5. In combination, a drum having a top formed with a bung hole, anagitator in the drum having a turned-over end, there being holes formedin the turned-over end and in theagitator, said holes constituting ameans for removably and drivably connecting a handle to the agitator,and a fitting threaded in the bung hole and interlocked with theturned-over end of the agitator.

6. An agitator of the character described comprising a central driveshaft having a mixing blade extending therefrom, the upper extremity ofsaid agitator being turned over to provide a projection extending atright angles to the main drive shaft, and having openings formed in saidprojection and in the drive shaft proper which are designed to receive ahandle to set up a. driving connection therewith.

'7. An agitator of the character described comprising a central driveshaft consisting of two parts in sliding engagement with each other,said sliding engagement being provided for by a pin and slot connectionbetween said two parts, a mixing blade outstanding from the lower end ofthe drive shaft and formed with a turned-up end, means at the lower endof the drive shaft for pivotally mounting the same in a drum, and meansat the upper end of the drive shaft for rotatably mounting the same in adrum and consisting of a turned-over extremity, said drive shaft beingnotched below said turned-over extremity.

8. The combination with a closed drum having a bung hole in the top, anagitator in said drum consisting of a stirrer blade pivotally mounted onthe bottom of the drum, said blade extending radially and outwardly fromthe pivot and terminating in an upward disposed mixing blade having afree end disposed adjacent the wall of the drum, and an upwardlyextending drive shaft on the other end of the stirrer blade coactingwith means associated with the bung hole for rotating the same.

9. The combination with a closed drum having a bung hole in the top, anagitator in said drum formed of flat bar material consisting of astirrer blade pivotally mounted on the bottom of the drum, said bladeextending radially and outwardly from the pivot and terminating in anupwardly disposed mixing blade having a free end disposed adjacent thewall of the drum, the blade portion of the agitator being twisted from apoint adjacent the pivot to lie in a vertical plane, and an upwardlyextending drive portion on the other end of the stirrer blade coactingwith means associated with the bung hole for rotating the same.

10. The combination with a closed drum having a bung hole in the top, anagitator in said drum formed of flat bar material consisting of astirrer blade pivotally mounted on the bottom of the drum, said bladeextending radially and outwardly from the pivot and terminating in anupwardly disposed mixing blade having a free end disposed adjacent thewall of the drum, an upwardly extending drive portion on the other endof the stirrer blade coacting with means associated with the bung holefor rotating the same, and-the stirrer and mixing blade being arrangedin a substantially vertical plane.

11. The combination with a closed drum having a bung hole in the top, anagitator in said drum consisting of a stirrer blade pivotally mounted onthe bottom of the drum, said blade extending radially and outwardly fromthe pivot and terminating in an upwardly disposed mixing blade having afree end disposed adjacent the wall of the drum, and an upwardlyextending drive shaft consisting of two slidably engaged partslongitudinally adjustable to permit adjustment of the length of thedrive shaft for different sized drums, the lower part of the drive shaftbeing connected with the innerend of the stirrer blade and the upperpart coacting with means asso ciated with the bung hole for rotating theshaft.

RONALD M. WILSON. JOSEPH HOLT INGRAHAM.

